I like that idea! Very nice.PegRapai
I actually have written a letter to them. I talk about being in their place. Knowing how it felt, excited, nervous, a feeling of dread Here we go again! I than tell them about how to get an A in a class. Make sure you are there. Complete all assignments.Read ahead. Complete all of the quizes and you are probably going to get an A.
I think this letter gives them a sense of who I am and also as sense of where they can be once they accomplish the class.PegRapai
I actually give my students a fun quiz to take on the important points of my syllabus.
Not only is this a technique to test their understanding of expectations, but it also serves as a great icebreaker!
Go the students an idea of what they can expect from the course and what I expect from them.
Hi Dennis,
You lay it out and this shows them how to be successful. The course is theirs to fail or pass, they have to make the choice since you are there to help them be successful their choice should be success. Sadly not all students see their studies this way.
Gary
Hi Brian,
This is a great way to keep the students informed about the course, deadlines, etc. while showing them how a professional approaches the field. This is modeling at the highest level.
Gary
Hi Heather,
Instructor enthusiasm goes a long way in keeping students engaged and focused on the course. We need to remind ourselves to keep our excitement level up throughout the course so the students will see us a professionals excited about our field.
Gary
I start with a very thorough syllabus that I hand out in the first class. It covers the ground that was discussed in this forum. I also frequently refer to it during the quarter so they can see how much I rely on it, modeling the behavior that they should also frequently refer to it.
I go over the syllabus, and I put their minds at ease (I hope, lol), by telling them that, unless they really want to fail the course, e.g., by not attending class, not handing-in papers, etc., everyone should receive an "A" or "B." I try to create a positive "self-fulfilling prophecy."
In massage therapy, I have a clear syllabus and an addendum for each class. Anything not covered on the master school syllabus I include in my addendum, like exact test dates and assignment due dates. The more clear students have the course goals in mind, the more easily they seem to assimilate the knowledge. And if that doesn't work, I result to a hands-on approach and speak individually with the student.
If you are clear from the start on the expectations and explain why these thngs are being done, there really shouldnt be a problem
I agree. While I do emphasize that the works needs completed and that I require respect as an instructor, I also let them know that I try to keep the course I teach interesting and fun while learning the required information.
I agree as well. From the surveys that my school does on the students most students would like the instructors to be more strict. Strict and fair is the way I feel, just as long as though you do not come down as the judge, jury and exicutioner all at the same time.
I make sure that the students have their home work assignments for the following week at the end of each week. I make it very clear when we are having tests.
Hi Beth,
Having clear expectations is a must. This sets the tone for the class and helps to set the students at ease. They know the your expectations and you know theirs. No surprises and both of you can work toward the common goals.
Gary
review of the course syllabus is a must at the first class.
I definitely open up the expectations for discussion. I want to know what they expect from the class based on their knowledge of the curriculum and syllabi and what their expectations of me (their teacher) are. We establish a clear understanding of all expectations..what I expect..what they expect
I have not typically opened up the expectations for dsicussion as much as I have questions. Perhaps that is what you are saying though.
I have a discussion regarding what the class expects from me as a teacher - "be on time - present material clearly - be fair - etc. And then I turn it around and we discuss what I expect from them. "Be on time, be respectful of classroom guidelines (no cellphones, etc) - come to me with questions.
Rubric is a good idea. Thanks for sharing this Sandra.
